Bicycle history lesson

Today's Columbia Tribune has a bicycle history lesson:

Surprisingly, bicyclists were the ones who lobbied for, and finally got, good roads.

When cycles were introduced shortly before 1900, riders complained about the roads. City streets were rough enough to damage those big, high-wheel cycles of the late 19th century. Rough graveled roads helped give the two-wheeled machine the name of "Boneshaker." With a front wheel of 5 feet or more in diameter, and with fixed pedals, each revolution of the pedals moved the rider a long distance. Excessive speed on rough dirt or gravel roads caused many a nasty spill, but high speeds were part of the excitement of bicycling.

The sport of cycling spread like wildfire. It was fun, healthful and provided rapid transportation. Almost every able-bodied man rode a bike to work or for pleasure.

The roads were filled with them on weekends. . . .

Gradually bicyclists, including the ladies, brought enough pressure for smoother roads. Dunlop invented pneumatic tires for bikes even before automobiles used them. So who needed paved streets and roads? Bicyclists.

Read the rest of the story here.